Be mindful of your treasures with this growing collection.
Research shows that people who regularly express gratitude are happier and healthier than their counterparts, regardless of measurable wealth. Plus, regularly practicing gratitude shines a spotlight on the abundance of gifts in our lives, gifts we might otherwise overlook.
You may also want to browse our list of Chapter Books about Mindfulness and Gratitude.
Conversation Starters
Can you think of three people you would like to write a thank you letter to? Who are they and what would you say? If you have time, write those letters!
Think of a time when you felt content. Why was your heart happy? Reflect together on what makes people feel content.
Why is it so easy to forget the many things we are grateful for when we discover something new that we desperately want?
How do you feel about homemade gifts? The gift of time? The gift of experiences? Which is the most meaningful to you? Why?
What is the difference between what you need and what you want?
Is it wrong to want something more when you have so much?
Is it hard to feel grateful when you’ve had a difficult day? What can we do to remind ourselves of gratitude even when we’re not feeling very happy or grateful?
How does it feel to offer someone thanks?
Featured Title
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
Otsaliheliga, or “we are grateful,” is the Cherokee Nation’s practice of expressing gratitude. In this book, Sorell takes you through the seasons, activities, and celebrations observed in Cherokee culture.
Additional DGT Favorites
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
This Caldecott Honor book is the perfect tool to help young readers see the beautify and gifts in everyday life. Follow a small group of family and friends through their day and discover the importance of all things great and small, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky.
An Awesome Book of Thanks by Dallas Clayton
This whimsical book for any age child or adult reminds us of all we have to be grateful for. Wonderful illustrations.
The Biggest House in the World by Leo Lionni
The heartwarming story of a snail who dreams of having a bigger shell. When his father tells him about another snail that had the same dream, he begins to rethink his wish.
Grateful: A Song of Giving Things by Jon Bucchino
Including sheet music and a CD, this song-in-a-book invites readers to consider all they are thankful for in a peaceful, meditative way.
Gracias/Thanks by Pat Mora
This poetic and joyful story introduces us to a young biracial boy as he celebrates the many reasons he feels thankful.
Members, visit our Exclusive Downloads Collection to print conversation cards for this story.
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
Follow the greedy triangle to learn how wanting more and more and more can change your life in ways you might never expect. And reinforce those basic geometry skills along the way.
The Money Tree by Sarah Stewart
Miss McGillicuddy’s simple country routine continues throughout the year in spite of a very unusual tree growing in her yard.
No One But You by Douglas Wood
Take a close look at the astonishing, everyday wonders that make life beautiful. And consider how your own personal experiences, great and small, combine to make you absolutely unique.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
A talented seamstress makes beautiful quilts for the poor and the homeless When the king who has everything decides he must have one of her creations, she tells him he must give away everything; then she will give him a quilt. In the process of shedding his many possessions, the king finds true happiness. No summary can do justice to the mesmerizing, fairy-tale quality of this beautiful tale.
The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood
In the soothing, inspirational style Douglas Wood is famous for, this book unlocks the secret of gratitude. Parents will look forward to spending time with this gentle book.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
“Want what you have” is the important lesson, brought to life by the magical, and somewhat alarming, adventures of Sylvester.
The Table Where Rich People Sit by Bryd Baylor
A young girl learns from her family that being rich is not just about material wealth.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Especially great for your youngest readers, Todd Parr's bright and simple style gives kids a practical, and sometimes silly, way of talking about gratitude.
Thankful by Eileen Spinelli
In her rhyming, whimsical way, Spinelli offers children gentle reminders of the abundance and acts of kindness that might make them feel thankful.
Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
After getting into the spirit of writing thank you notes for her birthday gifts, Grace decided to keep going. Watch what happens as she share her thank you notes all over town. For anyone who wonders what thankfulness in action looks like, this sweet story will be an inspiration.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
This story is a bit like Stone Soup in reverse. Omu (pronounced Ah-moo) creates a stew so tasty, her neighbors can’t help but ask for a bowl. Her gracious giving leaves Omu with an empty pot at dinner time. But don’t worry, her generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed! This beautiful story is full of opportunities to talk about giving, gratitude, and how we can show appreciation for those around us.
Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes
Explore gratitude through 16 beautiful poems sure to illuminate the power of saying thanks.
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude edited by Miranda Paul
A diverse group of masterful poets explore the many different ways they feel gratitude.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts.
This book, about a boy who wants to fit in by owning a pair of trendy shoes, contains a powerful lesson about differentiating between wants and needs.
Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern
Gratitude versus “I want more” is simply a matter of perspective. This exceptionally simple story makes that clear. When the old man searching for silence is told to bring home a variety of barnyard animals, even the youngest child can see the folly in his quest
Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine
In this multicultural picture book, young Rosalinda sets out on a quest to heal her broken lemon tree and find the thief who hurt it. During her magical adventure, she learns the power of empathy, forgiveness, generosity, and gratitude.
What is Given from the Heart by Patricia McKissack
This heartfelt and touching story reminds us all that we have something to give, no matter what difficulties we may be experiencing. And through giving, we tap into new strength and healing.
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.